Insight into the chapter

"A desire to know, find, and discover more leads you to a door."

~~~~~~~~~~

"So, go on. Show us who you really are," said Chul Woo.

Fish... This Chul Woo guy is getting suspicious. I need to keep my story straight otherwise I could blow my cover and put Dad at risk. Come on, Eun Jeong... you have practiced this. Just stick to your story, it will be fine. Don't improvise if you don't need to.

"Alright. Well, where to start?"

"Start from the beginning," said Chul Woo.

"Well, I am a Korean Native. I grew up near the Union Stockyard Gate. So yeah, I am a back of the yards kid."

"There is quite a bit of history to that part of the city."

"Oh yeah... The Jungle was required reading when I was in high school."

"Eun Jeong, that sounds so fun! Does your family still live there?" asked Yu Jun.

"I wish... but it's just me now. My parents passed away a few years back."

"What a sad story."

"Indeed. You have my condolences," consoled Chan Yeol Jeon.

"And easily checked," said Chul Woo.

Yes. Check it as much as you want. I have got this legend covered.

You gave me a worried look and suddenly, I felt your firm palm slightly squeezing mine.

"I am so sorry, Eun Jeong."

For the first time this evening Ji Woo seemed interested in the conversation. She shifted her focus from her drink to me and clutched her napkin in shock.

"Oh My! How could that happen?" she exclaimed.

"Both of my parent's got in a car accident. My mom died and my father survived but he just could not live without her."

"Oh jeez. I... I didn't know that, Eun Jeong," you said while tightening your grip on my hand.

Chan Yeol Jeon nodded as he listened intently. At the mention of my parents, I noted that his expression softened somewhat.

"Nothing is more difficult than being alone in the world, child. I lost my parents when I was young, but in Sicily. This city is my adopted home."

Don Chan Yeol is an orphan? I had never heard about that through the grapevine. This is good intel. Straight from the horse's mouth.

"I agree, Don Chan Yeol, but I am fortunate to be blessed with good friends and an attentive boyfriend," I said, and you smiled shyly while Chul Woo raised an eyebrow suspiciously.

"Alright, Miss Tragic Backstory, how did you meet Jungkook?" asked Chul Woo.

"Well, we met when he was a client at the massage parlor where I work and..." before I could complete, Chul Woo interrupted.

"Oh boy... are you those kinds of masseuses? The paid-under-the-table types who get real handsy?"

"How dare you, Chul Woo?!" you yelled.

"No, no, it's fine. It's okay, Jungkook." I turned to Chul Woo and added, "Honestly... I am just the boring kind of massage therapist. Sorry to disappoint you, though."

Yu Jun nearly snorted out her food in laughter, but quickly stifled it after getting a sharp look from Chan Yeol Jeon. He glanced over to Ji Woo, who ushered a servant to refill her champagne flute.

"Haven't you had enough, darling?" he asked with his teeth clenched in anger.

"Oh, come on. One more won't hurt," she replied.

Chan Yeol Jeon narrowed his eyes at Ji Woo but did not argue the point further. He rolled his eyes at her, then refocused on me. "Please, continue, Eun Jeong."

"Okay, well... I started learning the art of massage by taking massage therapy classes. I paid my way through an accredited program at a nearby community college."

"A self-starter? Impressive!" exclaimed Chan Yeol Jeon.

From across the table, Chul Woo still eyed me suspiciously. Yu Jun seemed to follow every word as I spoke.

"So, that's how you got started. Huh? Do you like what you do? I know not everyone likes their job..." you asked.

I noted that Chan Yeol Jeon shot you a strange look as you asked your question.

"I actually really love it. I like helping people feel better. It means a lot to me when a client tells me that I have helped ease their pain in some way."

"You are just a real saint, aren't you?" said Chul Woo making me frustrated, but I couldn't show it.

"I swear to god, Chul Woo..." before you could finish, you dad interrupted, "Enough, both of you."

"I am sorry, but something about this broad stink, and I think we ought to..."

In a moment of frustration, you thumped your palm on the table. When you spoke, your voice had a dangerous edge to it.

"Stop it, Chul Woo. Eun Jeong saved me from getting shot. I trust her. Her integrity is not in question."

"Now you listen here, you little..." before he could finish, Chan Yeol Jeon said, "You forget yourself, Chul Woo. That is enough."

"Yes, Don Chan Yeol."

"Well. Now, my son, I have been wanting to discuss something with you. I think it is time that we open an..."

Before Chan Yeol could finish, John quietly entered the dining room, approached Chan Yeol Jeon deferentially.

"Forgive me, Don Chan Yeol, but there is an urgent call from Don Brenard."

"Okay... Send the call to my office."

Don Brenard? I have heard that name. He is one of my dad's rivals!

"I am afraid there is work to be done. We will discuss this matter later, son. I bid you all good."

Chan Yeol Jeon briskly stood up, lighted a cigar as he headed out of the dining room. However, he abruptly stopped as he was about to exit.

"Oh, and Eun Jeong... Tomorrow evening, we will be holding a gala here for a few business associates. You will be joining us. I am sure you will fit right with our other guests."

With that, he turned on his heels and leaves with Ji Woo.

Chul Woo quickly wiped his face with a napkin and headed to the door, avoiding eye contact with me and you.

"Hey, Jungkook... Are your family dinner always like this?"

"Oh, not at all, Eun Jeong. Usually, they are worse than this."

"Dad and Chul Woo were actually somewhat well-behaved tonight," commented Yu Jun.

She calls THAT well-behaved?!

"I am just glad that Ji Woo was not going on and on about the clothes she wants, as per usual," added Yu Jun.

"All the best, Piccola. Do try to enjoy the rest of your dinner," you said.

Then you and Yu Jun returned back to your dinner. I tried to eat but my mind was racing as I wondered what nefarious things Chan Yeol Jeon is up to.

If he is talking to Don Brenard about Dad... I have to know.

"Excuse me. I need to use the restroom."

"Oh, let me show you where the restroom is," you offered.

"No need, Master Jungkook. I will guide Miss Park. Please continue with your dinner," said John.

Oh, this guy has the talent of being everywhere. If there would be a 'Butler of the Year award', it would definitely go to him.

"It's okay, Jungkook... John will show me the way."

You nodded as you settled back down into your seat. "Of course, you are in the safe with John."

"I will be back soon," I said as I stood up and went out of the door.

John walked me a short way, then stops at a respectful distance. "Please, go then more meters and you will see the bathroom door, Miss Park."

"Thank you, John!"

"Is there anything else I can do?"

"No, no. Thank you. I can find my way back."

"Very well." John headed back to the dining room, leaving me alone in the hall.

Okay... time to get to work. I will just check rooms until I find Chan Yeol Jeon's office. I guess I will just pick a door. Let's start with the first door on the left.

I pressed my ear to the door, listening for a sound from within.

Nothing. Let's check it out.

As I opened the door, I glanced inside to see that the room was actually a janitorial closet with buckets, mops and various cleanser. I quickly shut the door.

Damn. That was not helpful.

As I moved to turn back towards the dining room, a distant voice caught my ear.

Don Chan Yeol? Has to be. I am pretty sure I just heard him mention Jungkook too. I need to hear what he is saying.

My training kicked in, and I moved stealthily towards the sound of Don Chan Yeol's voice, finding his office door slightly ajar.

Taking cover behind a decorative pillar, I heard.

Okay, I have got a good position here. Hopefully if I wait long enough I will...

I yanked from my thought by the sound of heavy footsteps coming from around a corner.

Shoot! Sounds like someone is coming. I can't let them see me. Gotta go!

I ducked into the bathroom closing the door just as the footsteps round the corner.

Then I realized I heard Chul Woo's voice coming from Chan Yeol Jeon's office. I slank back outside.

"Boss, we need to talk."

"One moment, Chul Woo. I am on a call."

"My apology, Don Brenard. Yes, we have coordinated with the Vital consigliere, and we are we are hoping to deliver information on the common fund soon."

Shoot. Chul Woo being here complicates things, but I have trained for this my whole life. I can totally sneak up on these men and listen in. And Chan Yeol's in bed with the Vitales?! They have every crime family in Sicily kissing their rings! If Jungkook is wrapped up in Dad's disappearance somehow, I need to know before I get in any deeper. Got to decide fast... I think I will stay and listen to the conversation. If there is even a slightest bit of info on Dad, I can't let it slip through my fingers.

Inching around my hiding spot, I checked both ways down the hall for guards, then returned my attention to the office.

I closed my eyes, focusing all my attention on Don Chan Yeol's voice drifting through the hall.

"Of course, Don Brenard. You know I value our continued working relationship very much. Cooperation is lucrative for both of us."

A short pause followed, and my heart skipped a beat as I wanted to know more.

"Yes, I assure you that I will keep you apprised of any developments regarding Don Nam Gil."

Don Nam Gil! That's Dad!

As I listened a little longer, Chan Yeol Jeon's voice dipped slightly lower. Making it difficult to hear his voice.

I am having a hard time hearing this. I need to get a little closer.

Glancing around for any onlookers, I quietly approached, hugged the wall next to the door of Chan Yeol Jeon's office.

Taking a few timid steps at a time, I managed to touch the door frame with my fingertips, while staying out of Chan Yeol Jeon's sight.

After listening for a moment, I noted with satisfaction that Chan Yeol Jeon's voice is much clear.

"Anyway, Don Brenard, I don't wish to keep you any longer. Please give your wife and daughter my well wishes. We should be in touch soon."

God damnit! All that work and he hangs up. There has to be more! He knows something!

"Alright, now I am done. What is it, Chul Woo?"

"I gave your son the order to lean on the Martell's for their monthly payment. He then gives me some excuse for why they can't cover their protection money. I told him to get back out there and bust some kneecaps or something, and he says he is not doing it. I don't need to tell you how big of a problem this is, but..."

"No, you don't, Chul Woo. I am aware of the matter."

There was a pause, and I heard Chan Yeol Jeon heave a sigh. I could only imagine Chul Woo's silent fuming.

"My son has made his distaste for getting his hands dirty abundantly clear. I will deal with it, but it will take. He will accept his responsibility to this family. One way or another."

He plays a tough guy, but Jungkook doesn't want to crack down on people for protection money? Huh... Maybe Jungkook is a better person than I thought. I mean he did defend me at dinner. He definitely risked pissing his dad off. I don't think a guy has ever done that for me before actually.

I listened a little longer, but the conversation quickly devolved into a discussion of operational costs.

Okay, I guess that is all the useful information I am getting from this. Still... I learned a few thins. I better get back to the dining room before I am missed.

Heading back to the dining room with all due haste, I came to find the room empty with all plates cleared.

I looked around for any sign that would indicate where you were, to no avail.

"Master Jungkook asked me to tell you that he will be outside, breathing some fresh air," informed John. "You may finish your meal as you like," he added.

"Thank you, John. I am done here."

Well, that give me more time to examine his room while he is outside. And if he comes there, I will say that I am just waiting for his. Ending the night with earthshaking sex is never a bad idea.

I then headed back to your room. I arrived at the door then check both ends of the hall for guards. Seeing none, I slipped inside.

Stepping into your room, I found it empty, you were nowhere to be found.

This might be a good time to look around. I could find a clue or two.

I first checked under your bed ad glanced in your closet but found nothing. I check your shelves. I attempted to move the copy of The Art Of War but didn't budge.

"What the hell?"

Pulling on the spine of the book, I heard a loud click and the shelf slowly swung back into the wall. Neon light filtered out of the revealed passageway. With a deep breath, I stepped through the passageway, anxious to discover what secrets lay beyond.

A secret door?

I walked to the hidden doorway, and as I peered inside, my jaw went slack.

"OH MY GOD!"

My heart skipped a beat when I heard your voice behind me.

"Piccola!"

TO BE CONTINUED

22 March, 2023